Podcasts - Having Your Voice Heard

As educators, we sometimes face repetitive questions to the lessons that we cover in class. So how can we answer those questions without having to continuously repeat the same information time and time again? One word. Podcasts. Podcasts are basically audio recordings that are uploaded onto the internet. This is similar to YouTube, but without a video portion; instead, there is only audio.

 There are several websites that host podcasts specifically. There are two websites that I am particularly familiar with. About a year ago or so I used a website called Podbean (www.podbean.com) to upload an audio recording for a graduate class that  I was taking. That was the very first time I had created a podcast, so I was not sure what to expect. My experience was not horrible, but it was a bit time consuming. I had to record my audio through a pre-installed program on my computer (or phone). Initially, I thought this was terrible, but it wasn't so bad because my audio recorder has a pause button that allows me to interrupt my "speech" for all of life's surprises and then continue once I am ready. Once my recording was done, I had to find the audio file on my computer and upload it to the Podbean website. This was a little bit more complicated than it seems and than I would have liked because Windows 8 can be a little daunting when it comes to finding files that are not part of the Microsoft or Adobe family. There isn't a designated folder for audio recordings like there is for PDF or Word documents. After about ten minutes of searching, I was able to locate and attach the file. Once the file was uploaded, I gave it a name and added a short description to it and published it. The whole process did take a bit longer than I would have liked, but it wasn't the worst thing I've dealt with in regards to technology. One of the things I did enjoy about Podbean is its user interface and how vibrant it is. It sort of calls out to you and grabs your interest instantly. Even though my initial interaction with Podbean wasn't the greatest, I have used it a few times since, and I have become familiar with the site.

The second website I am familiar with is the one I played around with this week. I decided to take a look at Soundcloud (www.soundcloud.com) because I have heard several people mention this website. I have to admit the process went by a lot smoother than it did with Podbean. Soundcloud allows users to record straight from the website instead of using an external application, saving the file, and uploading it. It was quick and easy to just record and tap "Upload" once I was done. From there, the process was similar as with Podbean - I got to give my audio recording a title and add a short description. One thing that grabbed my attention was that I could add "tags" to my recording. Tags are keywords that you can use to facilitate a search. In other words, if students do not know what the title to my podcast is, but they are aware of the subject, they would probably use certain terms to try to find that podcast. Tags are meant to help users find your files. The down side for me was the lack of a pause button when I was recording. I tend to get nervous when I record, and I like to take a break. I was not able to do that with Soundcloud. I found I actually had to restart my recording a few times. All in all, I did like Soundcloud a bit more because of how easy it is to use.

Podbeans are an excellent way of mixing things up in (or out) of the classroom. English Language Arts teachers could take an overused assignment such as a traditional book report and have students create a podcast on the book using the same template. Podcasts would require students to think a little bit more about their responses especially if the teacher requires that students listen to each others' podcasts and comment on them. In addition, podcasts are also a great way to extend your lessons or reteach information.

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

YouTube is a wonderful website which allows people from all over the world to share ideas with others. YouTube's history consists of videos of people who want to get "discovered" and famous, pieces of TV shows or movies, and music videos, among other things. The educational world has also tapped into YouTube's magical powers. Schools around the world are posting educational videos, creating screencasts and sharing them, creating book trailers and so much more.

Here are a couple of schools who utilize YouTube.

The Unquiet Library (https://www.youtube.com/user/theunquietlibrary/videos)
 I personally enjoyed their YouTube page. They host a variety of videos from students to informational tutorials on how to use certain applications or pieces of technology. There are definitely so many videos that students can benefit from. One in particular is titled, "How to Use the EBSCOhost 2.0 'Add This' Bookmarklet." One video that make grab students' attention is a student-made video titled, "Greek Mythology Project Period 3 Corbett."

The NHS Library (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNHSLibrary/videos)
One video that would be especially helpful for students is the video titled, "NHS Library Orientation." This video provides viewers with all information that pertains to the library such as hours of operation, available resources, and so much more. Students, however, would absolutely love the video titled "Tigerpalooza 2015 Dark Lord Funk." Check it out!

Pikesville HS Library https://www.youtube.com/user/pikesvillehslibrary/videos
Students might be especially interested in "Senior Party in Library" in which a class is meant to be in session and all of a sudden a song bursts out loudly from the speaker system. In addition, there are some videos that do offer students information. Although we are currently in a new school year, students might want to look at "2014-15 Course Advisement."

BB MS Media https://www.youtube.com/user/bbmsmedia/videos
I loved these videos. They are both meant to grab students attention and provide information. I especially enjoyed "Bring Back Your Books (Goin' Down For Real Parody)." There are several parodies on returning overdue library books. I love most of them! On another note, I also appreciated the informational video "MLA Citation Review." This is an awesome resource for students to have at all times!

QR Codes have also made an appearance on everything "young adult" related. QR Codes are basically machine-readable codes made up of a black and white graphic. These codes are meant to redirect users to a website, a file, a picture, or many other things. Codes can be read by downloading a QR Code reader onto a cellphone or iPad. After the app is installed, users can open the app and click on "Scan." From there, users must point their camera to the code. The camera will scan the code and redirect the user to a predestined location depending on the creator's intention.
 
The following is what a QR Code looks like. I have created this code for a book trailer I created for Martina the Beautiful Cockroach retold by Carmen Agra Deedy. I used a website called Animoto. It is incredibly easy to use, and I was shocked at how much I enjoyed it. Users can choose from different backgrounds, layouts, background music. There are some restrictions depending on what plan you purchase, but the good news is that educators can apply for a free account (http:// http://animoto.com/education/classroom). Remember, you must first download a QR Code Reader such as QR Droid Code Reader from the Google Play Store (Android users). Open the app on your phone and point your camera at the code.

If you are not familiar with Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, here is a small synopsis off of Amazon.

"Martina the beautiful cockroach doesn't know coffee beans about love and marriage. That's where her Cuban family comes in. While some of the Cucarachas offer her gifts to make her more attractive, only Abuela, her grandmother, gives her something really useful: un consejo increíble, some shocking advice.
"You want me to do what?" Martina gasps.
At first, Martina is skeptical of her Abuela's unorthodox suggestion, but when suitor after suitor fails the Coffee Test, she wonders if a little green cockroach can ever find true love. Soon, only the gardener Pérez, a tiny brown mouse, is left. But what will happen when Martina offers him café cubano?
After reading this sweet and witty retelling of the Cuban folktale, you'll never look at a cockroach the same way again."

Book trailers are a great way of introducing books to students. You can talk the book up, introduce characters and themes, hint at the conflict, but don't give away too many details. The point is to give out enough details to grab readers' attention without giving away the whole story line. This is where QR Codes come in handy. It is difficult for students to remember long URL's and even if they are provided with a hard copy of the link, chances are they will forget something when they type it in. A QR Code is the best solution to that problem as it redirects students directly to that link with just the push of a button!